In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two new countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect.
Ten years ago: David Dinkins was sworn in as New York City's first black mayor.
Five years ago: A cease-fire supposed to last four months began in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sweden, Finland and Austria joined the European Union. Fernando Henrique Cardoso took office as Brazil's 37th president.
One year ago: The euro, the new single currency of eleven European countries, officially came into existence with the start of the New Year. Cuban President Fidel Castro, marking the 40th anniversary of his rise to power, portrayed his socialist nation as a defender of humanity against rapacious capitalism.
每日格言
"To most of us the future seems unsure. But then it always has been; and we who have seen great changes must have great hopes."
-- John Masefield, English poet (1878-1967).